Then came the Lexus LFA, a V10-powered supercar that sent a 552 hp,
carbon-fiber shockwave through the world’s top sports car
echelon.

Production of both models has ended, but the ripples from their impacts
continue, bubbling up through the next F model, the 2015 RC F. The F
strikes again.

Developed alongside the stunning new RC sports coupe, the RC F is the
most powerful Lexus V8 performance car ever. It’s a jolt to the eyes
with a more striking version of the RC body outfitted with wider wheels and
tires, an active rear wing, air scoops, cooling ducts and available carbon
fiber body features components. In the rear, the RC F features functional
stacked exhaust tailpipes that make it even more distinctive.

And the RC F is a jolt to the spine with a new 467-horsepower version of
the F-tuned 5.0-liter V8, backed up by a close-ratio eight-speed Sports
Program Direct Shift transmission and available Torque Vectoring
Differential.

The “F” stands for Fuji Speedway, where Lexus conducts much
of its high-speed development. It could also stand for fun, as defined by
three key elements: response, a continuous-acceleration feeling, and a
sound that excites.

Notably, Fuji Speedway isn’t the only track that’s witnessed
the wailing engine or howling tires of the RC F prototypes. The RC F spent
much time lapping the Nürburgring Nordschleife, as clandestine shots by
noted spy photographers can attest.

And so it should be no surprise that Lexus developed the RC F to excel
on the track as well as the road. Body rigidity, suspension, brakes, tires
and all other systems were developed with the expectation that RC F owners
would be taking their cars to track day events.

There, they will enjoy the way the car’s electronically enhanced
driveline, based on Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management
(VDIM), enables average drivers to get closer to limits previously
attainable only by trained professionals. The same systems offer even
greater levels of active safety on the road.

There will be racing. Lexus is negotiating with the world governing body
of motorsport, the Federation Internationale Automobile (FIA), to
homologate the RC F for the FIA European GT3 championship in 2015. (Lexus
will not field a factory team but will support private entrants.)

Looks That Thrill You see the grille first. The signature Lexus spindle
grille looks menacing in black mesh, and when you look closely at the RC
F’s grille, you’ll see the “F” motif repeated in
the mesh pattern.

Built on the same 107.5-inch wheelbase as the RC, the RC F is slightly
lower, wider and longer. The RC F is 0.2 inches (5 mm) wider than RC,
thanks to its distinctive flared and laser-brazed wheel arches. It’s
0.4 inches (10 mm) longer due to the packaging of its rear aerodynamic
devices, and it’s 0.2 inches (5 mm) lower. The stance, amplified by
the wider, lower-profile tires, is even more of a ready-to-attack pounce
than on the RC.

Yet, there’s nothing superfluous here. Every styling design
feature of the RC F has a positive aerodynamic benefit. A continuous flow
from the hood and front fender through to the belt line emphasizes the
crouching nature and contributes to airflow.

Cooling ducts within the RC F grille supply air to oil coolers. At the
rear of the front fender, a large L-shaped cooling outlet provides
essential cooling and aerodynamic functions and also conveys the
car’s performance enhancement.

The hood is raised in the center to accommodate and emphasize the V8,
and a meshed vent in the center supports aerodynamics and cooling.

A Body That Cheats the Wind When it comes to beating the wind, cheating
is acceptable. Designers seeking ideal aerodynamics for a high-performance
car, though, must also accommodate pedestrian protection elements, in
addition to the usual need to provide adequate cooling for a high-output
engine and track-capable brakes.

All the intake and outlet ducts are functional, helping to cool the
brakes and vent the engine compartment. The air outlets on the hood and
fenders not only exhaust hot air from the engine compartment but also help
to smooth the airflow toward the rear of the vehicle.

The RC F uses aerodynamics to support high-speed stability. Some of the
features are obvious, such as the auto-deploying four-link rear wing, while
others, including aero spats and fins, blend into the dramatic coupe
design. Yet, all aero elements work together to use the flow of air over
and under the body to enhance controllability at higher speeds.

The sharp cut-off at the trunk edge helps to smooth airflow from the
roof when the wing is not deployed – and looks pretty sharp doing it.
Rear bumper corners keep the airflow smooth, supporting the effects from
the four-link active rear wing, a technology adopted from the LFA.

Lexus tuned the vehicle’s flat underbody, applying aerodynamic
undercovers and aero stabilizing fins. Fins at the bottom edge of the rear
bumper direct airflow from under the car. You’ll even find aero
stabilizing fins on the tip of the doorframe molding and the rear
lamps.

Front and rear wheel spats reduce airflow hitting the tires, while front
fender liners are designed to help direct airflow along the tires, in the
direction of wheel rotation. The rear fender liner has a bead to direct
airflow generated by the tires to the outside of the vehicle. Even the
shark-fin style roof antenna helps contributes to high-speed stability.

Wing Man With technology adopted from the LFA, a wing deploys from the
RC F trunk lid at a vehicle speed of approximately 50 mph to increase
downforce as vehicle speed rises. As the vehicle’s speed drops below
approximately 25 mph, the wing retracts. Alternatively, the driver can
control rear wing deployment from the cockpit.

There’s nothing reserved about the three different 19-inch wheel
designs developed exclusively for the RC F. And for drivers who don’t
mind even more attention while reducing vehicle weight, there’s an
available carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof and rear wing,
developed from the LFA and IS F CCS-R racecar.

467 Horsepower V8. Any Questions? It’s a good day for engineers
when they’re tasked with redesigning a 416 horsepower
high-performance V8 to produce even more power and higher revs. The
5.0-liter V8 in the Lexus IS F made its mark. Now it’s the RC
F’s turn.

Taking the sound and feel of instantaneous torque of the LFA V10 engine
as inspiration, the engineers essentially kept the cylinder block and
replaced most other parts. Thanks mostly to all-new cylinder heads, higher
compression and lighter internal parts, horsepower has soared by 51 hp to
467 hp, and the engine can now rev to 7,100 rpm vs. 6,800 rpm in the IS F.
The compression ratio has been raised to 12.3:1 (from 11.8:1), boosting
torque across the entire engine speed range. Improved engine and
transmission cooling systems handle track-day driving.

Here’s where Lexus got creative. Uniquely for a Lexus performance
engine, the new 2UR-GSE V8 runs on the Atkinson cycle when operating at
cruising speeds, to help enhance fuel economy. It’s a trick picked up
from the brand’s hybrids. In the Atkinson cycle, the inlet valves are
held open longer than normal to allow a reverse flow of intake air into the
intake manifold, thereby decreasing pumping loss and increasing thermal
efficiency.

Lexus redesigned the VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Electric
motor) technology to extend the range of inlet camshaft timing adjustment
for the Atkinson cycle. The instant more power is called for, the engine
switches to the Otto cycle.

Special features of the RC F engine include titanium valves, forged
connecting rods, an optimized exhaust layout to more effectively harness
exhaust pulses and an air-cooled oil cooler for optimum durability.

The new cylinder heads improve the 2UR-GSE engine’s
breathing with improved porting and a high-flow/high tumble ratio. In
addition, intake surge-tank capacity has been optimized, as have the intake
manifold runner length and diameter.

The new oil pan baffle shape
reduces agitation and hence friction, while new air-to-oil coolers for the
engine oil and transmission fluid increase track suitability.

The
Lexus D-4S dual-injection system has been redesigned, with higher injection
pressure of 2,611 psi and improved fuel atomization.

The throttle
diameter was increased by 10 percent, from 3 to 3.3 inches (84 mm).

A new intake camshaft profile increases valve lift and suits the
Atkinson cycle, while improvements to the electronic VVT-iE system have
expanded its range of operation for increased fuel economy and
performance.

New four-into-two exhaust headers help reduce
interference and hence further improve engine breathing. The
larger-diameter exhaust system is designed to reduce backpressure and sound
amazing, especially under acceleration. At the same time, the main muffler
keeps things from getting too rowdy at lower speeds.

As a final
touch, the new 2UR-GSE engine has a one-way clutch on the alternator
pulley.

Active Sound Control The sound blasting from the RC F’s quad
stacked tailpipes is sure to turn heads and raise pulse rates. Yet, Lexus
also had to design the cabin to be quiet enough to enable enjoyment of the
standard premium sound system or sonically stunning Mark Levinson® Premium
Surround Sound system.

How could RC F drivers enjoy both? The answer is Active Sound Control
(ASC), which lets the driver control enhanced exhaust, intake and
mechanical sounds within the cabin. Specifically, Lexus sought to
approximate the aural experience provided by the Lexus LFA, which issued
some of the most stirring mechanical intake and exhaust notes of any
supercar. Although LFA V10 engine revs to 9,000 rpm and RC F’s V8 to
7,100 rpm, the engineers have come close.

An electronic control unit mounted beneath the instrument panel takes
input from engine sounds, including varying engine speed, vehicle speed and
throttle position and generates augmented sound through an actuator. It is
entirely separate from audio system, so there’s no reduction in music
fidelity.

Most importantly is the driver controls ASC. It’s activated only
in SPORT S+ mode, not Eco, Normal and SPORT S modes. And when it’s
on, ASC blends with the natural intake and exhaust sounds to about a 50:50
ratio.

At engine speeds up to 3,000 rpm, ASC issues a steady tone of low and
deep sounds. As revs rise, the tone transforms into a higher-pitched note
that blends with the engine’s mechanical sounds, culminating in a
free-soaring sound beyond 6,000 rpm.

DRIVETRAIN

Eight-Speed SPDS Transmission The RC F 5.0-liter V8 finds the ideal
dance partner in a specially tuned version of the eight-speed Sports Direct
Shift (SPDS) transmission. Refined to suit the RC F’s new engine
higher engine speeds, the transmission control program delivers a more
linear response to accelerator input, and hence a more dynamic feeling.

The transmission offers the driver four selectable modes – NORMAL,
SPORT S, SPORT S+, and M. The last one is of course for Manual, and in this
mode, the SPDS applies full torque-converter lock-up from second to eighth
gears for “clutchless” manual shifting. Upshifts are made in
just 0.1-second in M mode, with the transmission’s throttle blipping
control matching the engine speed to the gear.

In addition to performing quicker downshifts than SPORT S mode, SPORT S+
mode fosters more dynamic driving during high load conditions such as in
track driving. The transmission will automatically downshift during hard
braking for a corner, hold a lower gear through the corner for greater
control, and then give the driver a greater power response on corner exit
by selecting a suitable low gear.

For the rare times when an RC F driver wants to take a leisurely cruise,
NORMAL mode provides the seamless acceleration traditionally associated
with a Lexus electronically controlled transmission.

Driving Dynamics Driving enthusiasts are increasingly discovering the
joy of the track, through club events and, at the higher end, memberships
in exclusive private circuits. The ultimate kind of car for such driving is
one that obliterates lap times on the track without breathing hard, and
then drives home, ready for another week of daily driving. From its
footprint and body rigidity to its aerodynamics, suspension hardware,
brakes, electric power-assisted steering calibration and chassis
electronics, the RC F is that kind of car.

Strengthen the Core Starting with the ultra-high-rigidity RC platform,
Lexus developed a special chassis for the RC F, more suitable for rigorous
track driving.

As in the RC, the front section is based on the GS, but with increased
apron panel thickness. The center floor section is based on IS C with its
significantly enlarged rocker structure, and the rear floor is based on the
IS with added center-floor gussets.

Lexus applied new manufacturing techniques to yield a rigid body
structure. Laser screw welding, additional spot welding and special body
adhesives all do their part to give the RC F an exceptionally strong body.
High-rigidity structural adhesive secures the windshield and rear
window.

Use of high-tensile steel sheet and aluminum helps keep weight low. The
hood inner and outer and the bumper reinforcements are aluminum, and the RC
F offers the option of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof and
rear spoiler. The available carbon fiber roof and spoiler help reduce
weight from points far from the center of gravity, resulting in a tangible
effect on handling agility. The CFPR uses a newly developed clear coat
painting process.

Tuned – and Raced – on the Nürburgring The RC F’s
suspension comes from Germany -- not literally, of course, but rather in
its tuning that was developed on the Nürburgring Nordschleife from
platform-prototype stage. Of course, many performance cars are tested on
the Nürburgring – that seems to be the price of entry into the
category these days. But how many are actually raced there? Lexus evaluated
RC F prototypes in Nürburgring VLN Endurance Cup events. Feedback from IS F
drivers and IS F CCS-R track cars in Japan also contributed to RC F chassis
development.

As a result, 70 percent of the RC F’s double-wishbone front and
multi-link rear suspension parts are new compared to the RC. They include
new front and rear springs, dampers and stabilizer bars as well as
suspension bushings and rebound stoppers. The steering knuckle and front
lower control arm were redesigned to alter the kingpin offset.

At the rear, all five of the suspension arms and the toe-control bracket
have been designed to provide new geometry and reduce unsprung weight. The
upper number-one arm has been optimized for rigidity, and the upper number
two arm and the end section of the toe-control arm are made from forged
aluminum to reduce unsprung weight. Bushing characteristics of the other
arms have been revised. High camber angles and toe-angle rigidity further
improve cornering power and reduce the required steering angle.

Electric Steering Feels Natural The first thing RC F drivers will feel
in the electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering is more feel.
Intensive testing and calibration of the power-assist curve ensures the
steering feel matches handling characteristics.

A damper-less intermediate shaft added to the steering column increases
steering rigidity upstream and ensures high responsiveness to steering
input. The new shaft has a stroke-mechanism section that is expandable
/contractible in the axial direction, to absorb shaft-length changes when
driving and help provide a smooth steering feel.

Wheels: Forging A Connection to the Road Of course, the Lexus RC F owes
much of its agility to specially developed tire packages. Lexus RC F has
three 19-inch wheel choices, all made from forged aluminum for optimum
rigidity and minimum weight.

The RC F uses a staggered wheel and tire setup, with 255/35R19 front and
275/35R19 rear tires. A flat tire repair kit in place of a spare tire saves
vehicle weight.

The standard wheel is a split five-spoke design. The optional wheel is a
split ten-spoke design, each spoke with a machine finish. Another optional
wheel is a hand polished 20-spoke, with two layers of 10 spokes. The inner
layer is indexed 30 degrees ahead of the outer layer. As one more example
of the high level of craftsmanship in each F model, this 20-spoke wheel is
hand-finished by craftsmen.

Torsen® Rear Differential No sports coupe promising track performance
would be caught without a Limited Slip Differential (LSD). The RC F comes
standard with a Torsen LSD and offers the option of a new Torque Vectoring
Differential (TVD).

During straight-line driving, the Torsen diff controls the left-right
speed differential to maintain straight-line stability. On entering
corners, the coasting torque due to engine braking is distributed more to
the outside wheel, to maintain stability. Mid-corner and on corner exit,
the Torsen LSD distributes drive power according to the load on each rear
wheel, to ensure high traction and maneuverability.

Torque Vectoring Differential It would be no surprise that a car of the
RC F’s track capability would offer torque vectoring to sharpen
handling response. The news here is that the RC F uses the electronically
controlled Lexus Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD). The TVD uses
precisely controlled multi-plate clutches, rather than the vehicle’s
brakes, to optimally distribute torque to each rear wheel whether or not
the accelerator is pressed.

The design aim with a TVD-equipped RC F was to make full use of the
vehicle’s yaw moment for turning posture so good that it would feel
as if the steering angle and direction of the vehicle travel were solidly
joined.

Electronic control and precision electric actuator motors that are
adjusted in units of 1/1,000-second ensure the appropriate amount of torque
is distributed to each rear wheel. TVD can generate torque transfer
regardless of how large or small the engine torque is, creating a yaw
moment around the center of gravity and realizing movement similar to the
LFA with its 48:52 front/rear weight distribution.

The driver won’t notice the TVD’s seamless operation but
rather will simply enjoy the feeling of using the accelerator pedal to help
steer the car through corners.

Lexus meticulously tested the TVD at the Nürburgring and circuits in
Japan to fine-tune its operation and cooperation with the new coupe’s
Vehicle Dynamics Integration Management (VDIM) system.

The TVD distributes torque to match the conditions of the moment,
ensuring dynamic response when negotiating S-bends, for example. It
improves vehicle attitude in low-to-mid speed corners, providing more agile
movement and a smaller steering angle.

In a series of S-bends, TVD provides exhilarating corner exit
performance with no understeer. Crisp turn-in after hard braking is equal
to highly skilled driving without a TVD. Even during deceleration, the TVD
constantly controls the drive force to preserve agile and smooth
turn-in.

The RC F’s unique cockpit meter display shows the rear-wheel
torque distribution as a bar graph within the tachometer and, if selected
from the display menu, as two orange columns in the multi-information
display.

How it Works The drive-force control mechanism in the Lexus TVD consists
of two highly responsive and compact motor control units and two
multi-plate clutches. The system also includes a set of
speed-multiplication planetary gears for each drive shaft.

The brushless electric motors have a newly developed built-in
high-precision resolver (rotation-angle sensor). Using technology developed
for hybrid vehicle motor control, these allow the motor angle to be
monitored and adjusted in units of 1/1,000-second, for precise control of
torque distribution during acceleration and deceleration. Each electric
motor controls the pressure on the corresponding multi-plate clutch via a
ball-cam actuator.

Special features of the TVD electronic control include feed-forward and
feedback control technology. Feed-forward control is control due to driver
input. Feedback control aims for the ideal vehicle condition, even in
situations such as counter-steer during a drift, for more enjoyable
maneuverability.

The feed-forward control group includes steering-angle, LSD during
counter-steer and LSD during deceleration. The feedback control suite
includes yaw-rate, differential-rotation suppression control and VDIM
cooperative control.

VDIM: The Invisible Hand Even expert drivers, who turn off their
cars’ electronic control systems during track driving, might like to
have an invisible hand helping out in dicey situations. The 2015 RC F
offers that hand in the EXPERT mode of the Vehicle Dynamic Integrated
Management (VDIM) system.

First, a little background on VDIM: Starting with its hybrids, Lexus has
for a number of years equipped its vehicles with VDIM, which coordinates
control of the powertrain, ABS, electric power steering, traction control
(TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) systems. VDIM is designed to
anticipate a loss of traction and help coordinate the separate active
safety systems of VSC, TRAC, and ABS to work in concert to correct it by
seamlessly integrating control of basic ‘drive-turn-stop’
vehicle performance. VDIM function also includes Hill-Start Assist Control
(HAC).

As one might guess, the system is ripe for exploitation by
performance-minded engineers. In fact, they did just that for the IS F, and
now the RC F gets a newly expanded version of SPORT mode.

In the RC F, there are four modes: Normal mode for regular VDIM control
VDIM SPORT mode to give priority to driver control New EXPERT mode, which
only intervenes to prevent a spin with VDIM off OFF setting, no control by
the VDIM system.

EXPERT extends the control parameters to enable the driver to fully
exercise individual driving skills and help control the vehicle in a
similar fashion to driving in VDIM OFF mode.

Before being used on the RC F, the new VDIM technology was refined
through testing on racecars. The logic control has been significantly
enhanced and new functions added to further enhance both driving enjoyment
on the track and reassurance when driving in marginal-traction
conditions.

In addition, Lexus has extended the VDIM cooperative control function,
allowing the system to delegate two brake control functions to the TVD:
drive-force distribution and yaw-moment control. VDIM controls the torque
transfer cooperatively with the TVD, for more seamless control of driving
and turning.

The Color of Speed Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0, Infrared and a new orange,
Molten Pearl. These are the colors of power and speed, and they look
stunningly bright on the 2015 Lexus RC F. An extraordinarily complex
multi-layered, four-baked process previously used only for concept vehicles
or custom cars is now in production at Lexus.

A five-coat, four-bake process produces the very bright Ultrasonic Blue
Mica 2.0. A six-coat, four-bake process results in Infrared which could not
be achieved with conventional painting. The process required major changes
to Lexus’ paint technology to accommodate it on the production
line.

The first coat is a primer followed by silver and then a clear coat,
followed by the color coat that reflects off the silver to give an
additional luster. A final top color coat is then applied. (Molten Pearl
uses a four-layer process made possible by the strength of its primer
material and vibrant primary color, meaning a silver reflective coat is not
necessary.) The vehicle passes through baking ovens four times during the
process, and is sanded by hand with a gentle water-based application.
Inspectors scrutinize each vehicle to ensure the paint meets strict
standards.

Cutting Through the Night Those winding roads that sports car drivers
love to explore tend to lack streetlamps. The RC F cuts through the
darkness with standard LED headlamps and separate L-themed daytime running
lamps (DRLs). They flood the road with light and give the RC F a powerful
face.

Available unique shaped lenses and multi-LED lamps are used for both
high and low beam. Each of the three LED lamps in the high-grade headlamp
contains both high and low beam lamps. And all three are lit when the
headlamp is on. The L-shaped low-beam lamp expresses the Lexus
identity.

Penetrating LED lamps generate heat, so a small thermostatically
controlled cooling fan is installed behind each headlamp assembly -- a bit
of technology borrowed from world endurance championship racecar
design.

Distinctive Rear Light Signature Lexus designed the RC F to leave a
distinct nighttime signature as it passes – which it will be doing
often. Like the headlamps, the rear combination lamps show the distinct
Lexus L-shape motif. But, rather than simply embed the motif as a graphic
element within the lamp unit, the surface is raised to create a
three-dimensional “L” effect.

A clever lens design gives the sparkling-gem effect of 50 LEDs per side
but uses 24 per side. There are two inner lenses, a stepped inner lens and
an outer lens with a series of multi-layered serrations on its surface,
three for each LED bulb.

Designed for Track Drivers, by Track Drivers Wouldn’t it be
something if a driver could be fitted for a regular production car’s
interior? Lexus designed the RC F cockpit to come as close to that ideal as
possible, equipping it with generous seat position adjustment range and
seats that conform to the occupants’ bodies.

For cabin design inspiration, Lexus again turned to its LFA supercar.
Unique components for the RC F include the gauges, steering wheel, seats,
trim and pedals. All are designed to give the driver the most direct
connection to the road possible, yet still provide everyday comfort.
There’s no skimping on luxury, either. The RC F, for example, shares
a new interior ambient illumination package with the RC line.
Upward-reflected light from door panel LEDs creates a feeling of welcome
like that used along the pathways of homes.

Form-Fitting Seats Lexus designed the RC F’s front for track
driving, though of course they also provide all day comfort for the road.
The high-back design with integrated headrests and side bolsters provides
optimum support for the back in mid-g cornering and additional shoulder
support in high-g driving. The cushion’s design helps hold the
driver’s leg in place when pushing down on the foot brace.

Special integrated foaming construction helps the seats conform to the
person’s body. The upholstery is set into the mold, which is then
filled with foam to complete the seat in one process. This contrasts with
the conventional method of seat construction where the molded foam pad is
covered with upholstery. Using the integrated foaming method, the material
does not need to be stretched as tightly over the foam, resulting in a
premium feel and high-precision appearance. Filling the seat in a single
process also eliminates wrinkles and slippage of the cover.

For the RC F seats, the foam is applied in three sections – to the
shoulder, lumbar region and hip – each intended to mold to the body.
The sewing and stitching process also allows the seat to change shape to
conform to the body. Grooves in the seat cushion where the occupant’s
hip contacts it cushion enhance the feeling of fit while preventing the
hip’s forward slip and wobbling, helping reduce fatigue.

The rear seats, with fixed high headrests, use the same sewing pattern
as the front seats to conform to the occupant’s shape. A dual
manual-electric folding mechanism provides easy access to the rear seats by
overriding electric controls but retaining a memory function for the return
of the seat-back to its pre-set position.

For maximum body rigidity, the RC F has a stationary seatback. Rather,
it provides a trunk pass-through for carrying longer items, such as
snowboards or skis. The luggage compartment has a maximum capacity of 10.1
cu. ft. and can store two full-sized golf bags.

Driver Control With chassis and suspension engineered to give the RC F
an uncanny connection to the road, Lexus designers rose to the challenge of
creating a cockpit that connects the driver to the car in a way familiar to
race drivers.

A low hip point and a raised steering wheel angle create a linear
driving position in the RC F, for a feel that’s more racecar than
road car. The RC F’s exclusive small diameter (14.6 inch) three-spoke
steering wheel has a thick rim with built-in finger rests and provides easy
access to the large paddle shifters.

The Lexus RC F revives the true meaning of “instrument
panel” with a control center packed with cutting edge electronic
displays. The analog speedometer, to the right of the larger tachometer, is
designed to evoke the look seen in classic sports cars. But there’s
nothing retro about the displays surrounding it.

When the driver’s door opens, the speedometer illuminates as a
welcoming gesture. Then, when the driver sits down and closes the door, the
speedometer flashes in a way that is evocative of heartbeats –
signaling anticipation for the engine to be started. Once the engine is
started, the multi-information display presents the RC F logo, and out of
the screen’s darkness, a front view of the car emerges.

The unique TFT display tachometer, surrounded by a large-diameter
machined aluminum ring, is the central gauge in the display. But it’s
not always a tachometer. The meter display changes according to driving
mode (Eco, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+), designed to provide pertinent
information in an instant.

The multi-information displays vehicle status images during mode
switching. In SPORT S mode, the display resembles that from the LFA. The
tachometer peak position is set just before the 7,000-rpm mark. The speed
and shift displays are inverted from Normal mode, and the shift range
character size is increased, making the essential shift position reading
easier to see during performance driving.

A Rev indicator uses indicator lights in three stages along the ring --
yellow, orange, and red. The third stage flashes and is accompanied by a
buzzer.

In SPORT S+ mode, the dial indicator is replaced by a bar type
tachometer, which makes engine rpm more easily visible even when the meter
cannot be viewed directly. In addition to the vehicle speed and shift
position, the meter display shows water temperature and oil
temperature.

The panel offers other treats for enthusiast drivers, including a lap
timer function, G-force display and torque distribution display (for cars
equipped with the Torque Vectoring Differential). A vehicle monitor display
can show tire pressures and active rear wing status.

The RC F does show off a classic touch with the finely crafted analog
clock in the center dash.

Like A Smartphone: Remote Touch Interface The 2015 Lexus RC starts with
a fresh slate for information control. A new Remote Touchpad uses
smartphone-like touch gestures -- including tap, flick and pinch -- to
operate audio, navigation or system information displayed on the center
screen, without the user having to look down.

The interface is intuitive and easy to use. Moving one finger over the
touchpad surface moves the cursor, and pressing down or double tapping
enters the selection. An integrated feedback function vibrates the surface
when the cursor on the electro multi-vision navigation (EMVN) screen moves
over a button. You can confirm the cursor movement without looking at the
display.

In addition to its ample operating area, the touchpad has a surface
texture specially developed to ensure smooth movement. It never feels
sticky or rough. The clean and cool design and flat shape harmonize with
the cabin design. Specially designed illumination makes the white
designated areas of the touchpad surface appear three-dimensional at
night.

Premium Audio: Digital “Decompression” Chamber Since its
inception, Lexus has continually pushed the advancement of mobile audio.
Both the standard and optional RC F audio systems play all popular digital
formats, whether from CD, iPod®, USB or other device.

Both also integrate new audio restoration technology that was introduced
in high-end home systems only recently. The technology restores some of the
clarity lost during compression for digital formats commonly used
today.

The standard audio system drives its 10 speakers – including a
10-inch subwoofer -- with 256 watts total output. The speakers include
3.5-inch left and right dash speakers, a 2.6-inch center dash speaker,
7-inch. front-door speakers and 6.3-in. rear side panel speakers. The
subwoofer is mounted beneath the rear panel.

Lexus is the only auto brand to offer mobile audio by Mark Levinson®,
one of the world’s elite home audio brands. In the RC F, a new Mark
Levinson 17-speaker system creates a stunning 360-degree, three-dimensional
sonic space. The system produces 835 watts total output while consuming
less power than other systems of similar output. The control panel was
designed to resemble the simple designs used on Mark Levinson home
equipment.

The new Clari-Fi technology automatically analyzes compression in the
signal of digital tracks (CD, iPod, etc.) and determines how much
amplification is needed, and where, to correct it. The result is a cleaner
sound that is closer to the original recording.

Climate Control: Emphasis on “Control” “Dual
purpose” as applied to a performance car used to mean you could drive
to the track, drive to the track, and drive home. It still does, but today
it also means the “to” “from” parts are done in
comfort. The Lexus RC F’s automatic climate control system includes
two-layer control of internal and ambient air and upper/lower level
independent air mixing, as well as independent left and right temperature
control.

By dividing the intake air ducts between internal air and ambient air,
the RC’s climate control system prevents a drop in temperature caused
by ambient air intake when the heater is on, thereby increasing heating
efficiency and saving energy.

Independent upper and lower multi-layer air mixing enhances comfort by
providing control that matches conditions. For example, on a colder day
with bright sunshine coming through the windshield, you can set the upper
air mix for cooling while at the same time have the lower air mix set for
warmth. The RC air conditioning system includes the hallmark Lexus feature
of a pollen-removal function, as well as a clean-air filter with
deodorizer.

The control panel uses a high-contrast negative liquid-crystal display
for clear visibility. Advanced electrostatic switches in the control panel
provide temperature control.

Braking Good The Lexus RC F driver will know the car is going to deliver
on the track from the first run through the gears. The first stop will
instill equal confidence in the brakes.

The RC F gets an exclusive brake package featuring 15-inch diameter
spiral-fin front rotors, improved brake cooling and a vertical g-sensor as
part of the anti-lock brake system control. The vertical g-sensor came as a
result of extensive testing at the Nürburgring. It allows for changes in
vertical loads, and hence optimizes control of braking force the instant
load returns to the tires after jumping a crest.

Testing on the Nürburgring has also ensured that RC F brakes offer the
ultimate in sports performance, direct feel, cooling and durability.

Compared with the IS F, front-rotor diameter has been increased by
0.8-inch and rear rotor thickness by 0.2-inch The RC F’s 15-inch by
1.3-inch ventilated front rotors are slotted rather than drilled, with
six-piston opposed calipers. The rear brake rotors are 13.6-inch by
1.1-inch ventilated, with four-piston opposed calipers.

The new, larger rotors help ensure linear controllability in all g-force
ranges during continuous track driving, while providing a direct feeling
during everyday driving. The pads are designed to ensure long life and
reduced chance of uneven wear. The new RC F brakes also reduce booming
noise during high-speed braking.

The hardware also includes a new brake booster and master cylinder
design and a new high-rigidity pedal, to enhance response and shorten pedal
stroke, with g-force generated aligning with pedal stroke.

Exclusive RC F hydraulic control circuitry optimizes brake control and
the interaction with the new ABS/VDIM Mode Select feature. The improved ABS
operates in harmony with RC F’s optional Torque-Vectoring
Differential, to suitably control drive force and braking force at each of
the four wheels.

High-Strength Steel The RC F’s frontal and side collision
protection measures include the use of hot-stamped steel sheet of up to
235,000 psi tensile strength in key areas of the body

Eight Airbags Lexus RC F has eight SRS airbags, including a dual-stage
driver’s airbag, dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger airbag,
driver’s and passenger’s knee airbags, front-seat side airbags
and first and second row side curtain airbags.

Pre-Collision Systems (PCS) The Lexus RC F offers the added peace of
mind of available Pre-Collision Brake and Pre-Collision Brake Assist
systems. Using the radar sensors of the Adaptive Cruise Control, these
systems are designed to detect the potential for a collision between the RC
F and an obstacle or vehicle ahead. Both systems can operate brake control
to help reduce impact.